In his 2008-09 Policy Address delivered at the Legislative Council Wednesday morning, Tsang said these measures include the government payment of public housing rents, an electricity bill subsidy for all households, a rates waiver for the whole year, and extra payments of the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance ( CSSA), Disability Allowance and Old Age Allowance (OAA).
"In rolling out these measures, we have made every effort to ensure they cover different sectors so the benefits of economic growth can be shared by all," he said.
"Apart from helping people to ride out difficulties in the short term, we encourage our citizens to strive for the best and uphold the Hong Kong Spirit," he added.
Referring to Hong Kong's relationship with the Chinese mainland, Tsang believed a new chapter has opened in "Hong Kong's relationship with our country".
"The pace of our economic integration is accelerating, while co- operation with Guangdong is about to enter a new phase with increasingly diversified areas of co-operation," he said.
Tsang emphasized that Hong Kong will contribute to the formulation of the National 12th Five-Year Plan so that it can play a greater role in China's development.
Tsang said the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games were a phenomenal success, while Hong Kong shared in the glory by co- hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events. Astronauts aboard the Shenzhou-7 successfully performed China's first spacewalk and returned to a triumphant welcome from the entire nation.
"We have seen a growing sense of national pride and identity in our community. I firmly believe that we can continue to make the best of the advantages under the 'One Country, Two Systems'," Tsang said.
The Policy Address was Tsang's second annual policy address since he won a second term as HKSAR Chief Executive in March 2007.
